Many people think that animals quietly go to sleep and die in shelter gas chambers. But the reality is it’s a horrific and cruel method of “euthanasia.” The animals are placed in a warm or hot box without sedation. They have no idea what is happening to them and are terrified. The hiss of gas starts and they get dizzy and panic. Screams are heard and fights break out. In some pounds, cats are mixed in with dogs, small dogs are mixed in with large dogs, and they all fight each other for the last breath of air. The 25 or more minutes it takes to end their lives can be complete torture.

Historically, this inhumane method of killing was used by the Nazis, and to this day is not allowed even for the punishment of our most severe serial killers. Yet they can still be legally used to kill innocent homeless pets, including cats and dogs, in many states. And if you live in one of the gassing states, your tax dollars might be paying for this atrocity.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently stated that they no longer recommend gas for routine euthanasia of cats and dogs.

This outdated and cruel practice demands public outcry. Please be the voice for the voiceless and innocent shelter animals. They did nothing wrong and have already had the misfortune of losing their homes, getting lost, or suffering living as a stray. It could be your lost pet next…

Please sign this petition and tell politicians to stop archaic gassing homeless pets in South Carolina!

Many people think that animals quietly go to sleep and die in shelter gas chambers. But the reality is it’s a horrific and cruel method of “euthanasia.” The animals are placed in a warm or hot box without sedation. They have no idea what is happening to them and are terrified. The hiss of gas starts and they get dizzy and panic. Screams are heard and fights break out. In some pounds, cats are mixed in with dogs, small dogs are mixed in with large dogs, and they all fight each other for the last breath of air. The 25 or more minutes it takes to end their lives can be complete torture.

Historically, this inhumane method of killing was used by the Nazis, and to this day is not allowed even for the punishment of our most severe serial killers. Yet they can still be legally used to kill innocent homeless pets, including cats and dogs, in many states. And if you live in one of the gassing states, your tax dollars might be paying for this atrocity.

What Congressman Moran Says about Animal Gas Chambers

“Using gas chambers to kill shelter animals is unnecessarily cruel, causing these animals to suffer in the last moments of their life. This resolution would bring more attention to this unacceptable practice,” said Rep. Moran. “With the continued advocacy of compassionate citizens, I hope we can stamp out this inhumane practice.” http://moran.house.gov/press-release/moran-introduces-resolution-opposing-euthanasia-animal-shelters

What Animal Organizations Say About Gassing

American Humane Association has stated, “…euthanizing shelter animals by carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide is inhumane to the animal and harmful to humans. American Humane Association considers euthanasia by injection (EBI) to be the only acceptable and humane means of euthanasia for all shelter animals.” Source: http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/stop-animal-abuse/advocacy/campaigns/stop-gassing-campaign.html

The Humane Society of the United States stated, "Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is, without question, an unacceptable method of euthanasia in states where shelters can legally obtain and administer sodium pentobarbital." Source: http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/policies_and_guidelines/statement_on_euthanasia.html

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians has stated, "...the use of carbon monoxide for individual or mass companion animal euthanasia in shelters is unacceptable due to significant humane, operational and safety concerns." Please read their document available online at: http://www.sheltervet.org/associations/4853/files/CO%20Position%20Statement.pdf

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently stated that they no longer recommend gas for routine euthanasia of cats and dogs.

This outdated and cruel practice demands public outcry. Please be the voice for the voiceless and innocent shelter animals. They did nothing wrong and have already had the misfortune of losing their homes, getting lost, or suffering living as a stray. It could be your lost pet next…